Meltdown

 

Chris:  I had me a little meltdown out there on I 10 headed into Tucson.  As you can see from the photos the ride to Benson was scenic and thrilling.   But then I had to hop on the interstate and besides the traffic whooshing by me something didn’t feel right.  I was dripping with sweat within 20 minutes  of riding.  My legs felt okay.  What was wrong?  I couldn’t get any traction and riding was too difficult for the situation.  I began to cry.  Yes, I did.  Not that anyone noticed so I let loose and wailed out loud “I can’t do this anymore.  I can’t do this .  I CAN’T DO THIS.”  I called David to pick me up and we headed to a bike shop where a young child (every technician looks like a young child to me) diagnosed the problem of a bent rotor which prevented my front wheel from spinning freely.  I instantly felt better.  It wasn’t totally my fault!   I was working way too hard to keep the bike moving forward.  It was like peddling with the brakes on.  With that problem solved we made it to Tucson where we’ve had a wonderful break and stayed with my brother and his wife and didn’t have to set up the tent and have received such generous hospitality.

Today I got to bike on the Loop, a more than 131 mile multi use bike path with NO CARS!   It has been the best and only good city so far to bike through.  We saw a rattlesnake on the path and a coyote ran alongside us for a bit.  That was fun.

We’re looking forward to seeing some friends before we head out of town for the final push to San Diego.  It’s a measly 500 or so miles.  But I’m more than a little concerned about those mountains that lie ahead.  Can’t give up now.  Or can I?

Thanks to Joni Mitchell whose music occasionally runs through my head and helps me get through the meltdowns.

Lord I’m one, Lord I’m two, Lord I’m three, Lord I’m four, Lord I’m five hundred miles from my goal.

No more strength in my legs, no desire to carry on, Lord I can’t go back home this a way.  This a way, this a way, this away, this away, Lord I’ll finish this damn ride anyway.